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Concern over new transport regulations – Sean Lynch

The Department of
Infrastructure should immediately engage with the Equality and Human Rights
commissions over proposed changes to transport regulations which threaten vital
transport services, Sinn Féin MLA Sean Lynch has said.

Speaking following
a meeting with senior department officials, the Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA
commented: “The Department plans to bring forward proposed changes to minibus
regulations despite the fact that a consultation is still ongoing.

“And while we
appreciate the timeframe has been brought forward to November 1st due
to a legal challenge, it presents difficulties for many service users including
teachers, health workers, youth workers and community organisations.

“In our meeting, we
recommended that the Department engages with the Equality and Human Rights
Commissions to seek alternatives as these changes will have an adverse impact
on communities and service users, particularly given that the process has now
been expedited.

“The focus must be on the services
that will be affected by these changes and we will continue to engage closely
with the Department to ensure that vital services are safeguarded."